I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve tied a bow and then had a friend retie it. Honestly (*nods head). I’m not even upset by it, just slightly befuddled. Until now (*valiantly thrusts arm into the air)!

Thank you Modcloth for showing me how to be a better woman (*hint of sarcasm there – did you catch the whiff?)! Favorite part of the video: the awkward shuffle-away at 0:45 sec. Second favorite part: learning to tie a bow.

I recently ordered some new shoes from Aris Allen and I freaking love them. I just got the brown high heels and they are super comfortable. How many pairs do you own? Click on the images to go check the shoes out on the website!

PRESS RELEASE

Baltimore Based Swing Dance Footwear Company Releases New Line of Women’s Dance Shoes for Spring 2012 Season

Baltimore, MD – (March 7, 2012) Due to overwhelming demand, local swing dance company Aris Allen has added more than 14 new styles of women’s shoes to its varied line of internationally recognized footwear.

“Our loyal customers have been champing at the bit as we worked to release an even wider variety of vintage-inspired shoes for today’s swing dance enthusiast” states Gay Santelmann, product developer and CEO.

The new assortment of shoes includes styles such as the 1940s 3-Buckle Dance Shoe, as well as a low heeled late-1950’s Shoe with Ankle Strap. Aris Allen has also developed some of its customer favorites in several new color combinations that fit in well with this season’s upcoming trends.

Response from swing dancers all over North America, as well as international customers in several countries including France, Germany, Australia, Italy, and the UK has been more than favorable.

Alongside the array of new shoes, Aris Allen has made room for gently worn footwear at its retail location in Curtis Bay, MD – many of which have been showcased by celebrities and featured on tv series such as Dancing with the Stars. Many styles from past seasons can be found for up to 70% off, along with an assortment of swing dance apparel.

In its efforts to encourage young Baltimore-area dancers interested in swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa and Charleston, Aris Allen is also offering free pairs of shoes to customers touting a student ID when visiting the store.

About Aris Allen:
Founded in 2004, Aris Allen features the best in shoes, clothes and accessories for dancers who practice Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Balboa, Charleston, Boogie Woogie, Collegiate and Varsity Shag, Blues, West Coast, 6-count, 4-count (you name it), any and all forms of swing dancing! Visit Aris Allen’s retail site at www.dancestore.com for more information.

Yes, this looks rather time consuming, but it’s so pretty! I’m guessing if you have thinner hair, you could instead just make little buns/pin curls up the back and then curl the top to get a similar effect. What do you think?

Some days you just don’t wanna. For those days, we made you this! Seems like we’ve been seeing pictures of this lovely look everywhere. It’s definitely an easy, gorgeous spring/summer ‘do. Here’s how to get this very uncomplicated knotted ponytail:

1) Apply a light holding styling mousse all over from roots to ends for texture and seperation. Hair can be damp or dry. (If it’s dry, be sure it’s a light holding mousse or you could end up with a strong holding mess.)

2) Separate the hair over your shoulder into two pieces. The piece from the back should come forward and down (see photo).

3,4) Using your girl scout skills, tie hair into a simple knot.

5.) Secure the two ends together using a clear elastic. Once it’s in there, slide it up underneath the knot to conceal it.

6) I like to throw a bobby pin in there for extra security.

7) Back comb the ponytail a little for texture and then comb through it with your fingers to settle it.

Tip: Once the steps are complete, tug on it and mess it up a bit. This look is better when it’s a little disheveled!

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Up Coming Weekend

An intensive weekend dedicated to improving your technical skills so you can lead/follow just about anything. Focus: Spinning and Turning
~ Feb 9-11 2018 - New York ~

Interview Series

An interview series about competing and judging from some of the top Competitors and Judges in the Lindy Hop Scene today! Check out what Annie, Bobby, Alice, Nick, Sylvia (and more!!) have to share about winning, dealing with nerves, dancing your truth, and connecting to the music.

Up Coming Weekends

An intensive weekend dedicated to improving your technical skills so you can lead/follow just about anything.
Focus: Lindy Hop
~ Apr 27-29 2018 - London ~

Learn to Style and Swivel with Jo

Spiff up your lindy hop and get fancy with Jo! In this video, she will teach you how to get powerful, feminine swivels and how to play with them, a variety of slides, and some sweet variations!
- On DVD or Digital Download -

Learn from Jo Hoffberg Online!

Jo is now a featured dance instructor on iDance.net, where you can download instructional dance video clips for just $1.99 each. There are hundreds of dance lessons online, including classes with Kevin & Jo in Lindy Hop, Aerials, 1920s Charleston, Solo Jazz, and Technique on Spinning, Swivels, and Swing Outs.